Drug deals and assaults at Winnipeg's Millennium Library have left some staff members fearing for their safety.

A report obtained by the Winnipeg Sun, dated Feb. 13 and written by a staff member, described a growing concern amongst staff about youth gangs hanging around the library on a daily basis.

"It is difficult to approach these youths in order to tell them that their conduct is inappropriate. There are a few among us that feel it's not wise to do so, as it places us (potentially) in harm's way," a portion of the report stated, in describing an incident involving more than a dozen teens. "These groups went back and forth from the library, being disrespectful, shouting obscenities, talking back to security staff, and causing trouble."

These incidents are getting worse at the downtown library, a source told the Sun.

On Feb. 7, a security guard at the library was assaulted by a group of youths while asking the banned members of the group to leave the library. The report of the incident, produced by library administration, stated a group of 15-17 youths have threatened the life of this security guard. The guard was eventually taken to hospital after he was hit in the back of the head with an ice block, the report stated.

Police confirmed the alleged assault. Two youths were arrested and charged.

Police are describing this as an isolated incident, but acknowledged an increased number of "undesirables" have been frequenting the library.

"(This) has led us to pay special attention to the Millennium Library area due to the presence of a group of undesirables present in the area at various times," said Const. Eric Hofley, in an email. "(I) can acknowledge that there has been calls for service at the library of late and arrests have been made."

A Feb. 2 report describes an incident in which an adult figure known as "SM" and a group of teens are seen in the library, possibly dealing drugs.

"He produced a cigarette package, which he passed behind him. I believe an exchange was made and the two teens dressed in red were very happy with this," the report said.

A source stated SM was known to staff and often seen with the youths. Police confirmed a 51-year-old man was arrested in the skywalk between Cityplace and the library on Thursday and charged with marijuana possession.

A request for an interview with library administrators was declined by a city spokeswoman, who offered this statement: "We concur with their (police's) statement and as they said, we continue to work with them on this matter."

Violence, drug deals growing at downtown library

Drug deals and assaults at Winnipeg's Millennium Library have left some staff members fearing for their safety.

A report obtained by the Winnipeg Sun, dated Feb. 13 and written by a staff member, described a growing concern amongst staff about youth gangs hanging around the library on a daily basis.

"It is difficult to approach these youths in order to tell them that their conduct is inappropriate. There are a few among us that feel it's not wise to do so, as it places us (potentially) in harm's way," a portion of the report stated, in describing an incident involving more than a dozen teens. "These groups went back and forth from the library, being disrespectful, shouting obscenities, talking back to security staff, and causing trouble."

These incidents are getting worse at the downtown library, a source told the Sun.